The mechanism for all template-directed synthesis of any type of nucleic acid involves the following: A) Nucleophilic attack of a 3' hydroxyl toward a nucleoside triphosphate, releasing PP_i. B) Nucleophilic attack of a 5' hydroxyl toward a nucleoside triphosphate, releasing PP_i. C) Nucleophilic attack of a 3' hydroxyl toward a nucleoside triphosphate, releasing P_i. D) Nucleophilic attack of a 5' hydroxyl toward a nucleoside triphosphate, releasing P_i. E) More than one of these would work, since the mechanism is not universal.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct mechanism involves a nucleophilic attack by the 3' hydroxyl group of the growing nucleic acid chain on the alpha-phosphate of the incoming nucleoside triphosphate, leading to the release of pyrophosphate (PPi).

The Mechanism for All Template-Directed Synthesis of Any Type of Nucleic